Chophouse 119 — Restaurant in Hilton Head Island

I am sad about the review I am about to write. As HHI locals who frequently dine out, and who are steakhouse lovers, we were very excited to initially hear about Chophouse 119. We watched the renovation over the months and anticipated a big grand opening which in the end never came. Didn't even know if they had opened or not...nothing in local media, nothing on Facebook, no website or phone number. Then we started seeing and hearing bad reviews. Decided we'll wait and give them some time to get sorted. Reviews improved. So we, along with another couple who are also HHI locals gave Chophouse a try last night. To say disappointing is an UNDERSTATEMENT. We have no problem paying for quality and service and while this is an expensive restaurant, the cost is not our complaint. The complaint is that nothing in this restaurant justifies the cost. There were three very strong positives - the decor and ambiance are wonderful, the hostess was perfect in every way, and the bartender was excellent when we were seated at the bar before going to our table - by choice- not because of a wait. That is going to be big problem for this restaurant - Saturday night and not even half full. It's not the type of place vacationing families are going to visit. They should really be investing in courting the local community who eats out all year and who celebrates special occasions locally. Just an opinion...back to the review... Our server was a lovely person and she was trying very hard to do a good job for us. Unfortunately, she had no backup from her kitchen, management or bartender and it didn't appear to us that she had any fine dining establishment training. We are 4 people that have traveled the world, 1 of whom is a French trained chef, and 2 who have owned and operated a restaurant. We know the difference. Two cocktails took a very long time to materialize. She apologized more than once for the delay. Bar wasn't crowded and our drinks couldn't be easier to make. Open bottle, pour liquid over ice. Done. Porterhouse for 2 - $110- big piece of meat. Not bad value for this type of restaurant. However, The meat was just adequate, nothing special and can cook better at home for half the price. Infuriatingly, we asked for box for the meat and they didn't give us the bone which still had about 1/3 of the meat attached. Baked potatoes were hard and cold. Gave back. They are more like microwaved than baked. Second serving potatoes were hot, but still not baked through. Hard. Made good breakfast potatoes today but $12! Have had a better baked potato at Longhorn. Creamed spinach sent back. Ice cold. There is no coffee available! What restaurant - especially fine dining - doesn't have coffee for the after dinner service? I realize this is a super long review, but was hoping to get across how badly we wanted this restaurant to be awesome but it just isn't and doesn't even come close. Everything is fixable and we hope they put the effort in to make it better. Would like to see them succeed. In the meantime, we will continue with all our island faves that satisfy consistently on a weekly basis all year. Too many to list, but for a great steak - Ela's, Wise guys, Cranes, Sage,...

Disappointed. I surprised my husband with a trip to Hilton Head for his birthday. After researching, I came across Chophouse 119 and decided to make reservations for us to have a celebratory birthday dinner (just the 2 of us). We arrived a little before 7:00 and was seated by 7:00. After waiting a while, our waiter came to greet us and take drink orders. He poured water for the two of us, and I am thankful I did not drink it. ( We needed straws, and asked) There was a BUG floating in the water. I was extremely parched, but had to wait for him to return. We were unsuccessful with getting his attention, but was able to do so after waiting. Instead of addressing the fact that a creature was in my water, he simply grabbed the glass and took it away. No apology or anything. He then pours another glass...I inquired about the drinks we ordered and he told us he's still waiting on them. (We asked for straws again) We flagged the manager down for straws so we could finally hydrate. We were then able to begin placing our our for an appetizer once the water returned. I ordered bread service and brussels. The brussels weren't the best, but we knew we ordered bread so we didn't worry. The waiter could not seem to hear me very well.. He came came later to get our order for the main course. He still couldn't hear me very well. I ordered and inquired about the bread once again. We never did get the bread we ordered, and realized the table of 4 seated next to u, and after us were able to get their bread service. (Same waiter) Once I realized we weren't going to get the bread and that others received theirs, I tried to signal the waiter to cancel it. He (waiter) looked at me but did not acknowledge the fact that I was trying to get his attention. WE MADE EYECONTACT. After being ignored, my husband let him know that we would like to cancel the bread (several reminders given). The waiter then tells me they were out of bread.... HOW? lol I was literally looking at others around us receive what we ordered. I was obviously annoyed that time and it was clear we were not going to receive any food any time soon. I really wanted my husband to enjoy his birthday dinner, but this was not the case. We left a little after 8:30 still hungry and went to a nice place nearby. Perhaps it was a rough night for him...they did offer to give us the meal for free, but it's always about the experience. The children at the table next to us were able to have a warm and attentive waiter, whilst my husband and I had the same person, but a COMPLETELY different server. We paid for everything we received and enjoyed his birthday elsewhere. The manager did offer to serve us himself next time as he noticed what was happening, so we may try again later. I am giving a couple of stars for the ambiance. It is an absolutely...

A true high-end dining experience. Reminded me of the fine downtown big-city steakhouses, the kind you have to get on a list to wait for a reservation slot, but here you don't have to wait your turn!

My wife was able to make reservations for us using an online app, but she did provide a credit card as there is , understandably, a fee for no-shows or late cancellation.

Everyone greeted us as we were led to our table.

We were seated right at opening time in a comfortable and cozy table for two in a dimly lit seating area, with a dimmable lamp on our table.

The elegant setting was a precursor of the great food we were about to enjoy.

We were offered complimentary bread, which was a two large slices of wonderful sourdough bread, served piping hot with what must have been house made whipped and salted butter. Delicious.

We were offered sparkling, bottled or tap water, which is normal for a place of this high level.

I opted for the crab cake appetizer, which was a very good choice. Plenty of crab meat and very nicely prepared. The large variety of choices made for a tough decision; next visit I will try the lump crab appetizer.

My wife and I split the Caesar salad, which was served split on individual plates. Delicious and fresh with an excellent dressing and crushed croutons, making for an enjoyable and tasty eating experience.

The sides are ordered separately from your entrees, sometimes called New Orleans style, and the sides were portioned for two to share. We had the whipped potatoes and asparagus, both outstanding.

We ordered steak, my wife opting for a filet mignon, and I ordered the "Gleason", a rib cap steak cooked medium rare.

The steaks were absolutely perfect, so tasty and well seasoned with perfect char.

The fats in my rib cap were perfectly rendered, a must if you serve this cut. Perfect and so flavorful.

The wine and drink selection is extensive. We opted for a house pino that was dry, as we had asked, and paired with the steaks nicely. There are also many top shelf bourbons, Tennessee whiskies, and scotches for those so inclined, notably Jack Daniel 10 and 12 year old.

We ended our meal with both the vanilla and the hazelnut creme brulee, which were light and sweet with a delicate sugar crust. The vanilla was notably present, while the hazelnut was more delicate. We enjoyed the contrast.

All the while, the delightful young lady taking care of us was at constant ready to clean up the table, provide fresh silverware, and answer questions as needed.

A top notch dining experience with exceptional service and well curated dishes.

Come here to be pampered and enjoy the food...